16 miles today, from my house to Ballard, mostly along the Burke Gilman Trail. I didn’t realize it went that far, but I was by no means at the end of it. I stopped at the enormous Fred Meyer in Salmon Bay to gulp down an Odwalla and then headed back.
Still working out how to best use the 18 different gear combinations, but I learn a little more every time. I found some other riders out who I used as rabbits: they were cruising along at a steady 16 mph, so I shadowed them as long as I could. I was able to push myself to 20 mph along one straight bit along the Ship Canal, and I’ll probably feel that tomorrow . . .
And the Blue Angels are starting their practice sessions as I sit here . . . . love that sound.
In the days when 10 speeds were the highest technology, I recall that you were not really supposed to use the gear combos with maximum chain deflection (large front & largest rear, for example). The gearing was staggered anyway, so you had more like 8 unique ratios. Not sure if modern derailleurs (sp?) are like that. Do you have one of those uh… those book things… oh! A manual! Do you have a manual?
not a bike-specific manual. I have figured out that there is some overlap in the ratios, and that’s OK. Whatever gets me up that hill . . . . .
as for spelling, I defer to Sheldon Brown who spells it derailer, not out of any Francophobia, but for simplicity.